Looking to God, Looking to Care, Looking to Grow

About Upper Stour

Serving the villages of Bourton Kilmington Stourton Zeals

December 2018 January 2019

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Parish Contacts Priest in Charge: The Rev Graham Perryman 01747 840221 Licensed Lay Minister: Brian Martin 01747 840433 Licensed Lay Minister: Mona Tyler 01985 844509 Lay Worship Leader: Caroline Worthington 01747 840266 Lay Pastoral Assistant: Vicky Goodfellow 01747 840443 Lay Pastoral Assistant: Barbara Borwell 01747 840141 Parish office 01747 840221 Parish office/Rectory email [email protected] Parish website www.upperstour.co.uk Facebook Group Parish of Upper Stour

Enquiries regarding Baptisms/Christenings, Weddings and Funerals to Rev Graham Perryman (contact details above) ~ ~ ~ Upper Stour Magazine Contacts Editor: Celia Cotton 01985 844613 Deputy Editor: Sue Evans 01747 840600 Distribution Manager: Carol Affleck 01747 841359 Invoicing Manager: Peter Booth 07594 959439 Printed by Mail&Print: Berwick St Leonard 0845 362 0983

All items for the February issue should be sent to the Editor at Bay Tree Cottage, Kilmington, Wiltshire BA12 6RG tel 01985 844613 email [email protected]

Contributions for the February 2019 issue should reach the Editor by Friday 18th January 2019 at noon

Mobile Library Times December 2018 / January 2019

Dec 6, 20 Zeals School 10.00-10.40 am Jan 3, 17, 31 43 Zeals Rise 10.45-11.05 am

Dec 6, 20 Kilmington Home Gd Club11.25-11.35 am Jan 3, 17, 31

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Greetings from Graham

Leaving The Christmas story is full of journeys: of Jesus from the glory of heaven to the squalor and danger of earth; of Mary and Joseph from their home in Nazareth to register in Bethlehem; of the shepherds leaving their flocks to visit the baby in the manger; of the wise men journeying many hundreds of miles to visit the new-born King; of the Holy family becoming refugees in to avoid Herod’s ‘Slaughter of Innocents’.

You will read on page 16 that Jackie and are to embark on a journey, and a new stage of life. I’m trying to work out which of the journeys above this most resembles…

As we consider these journeys, may I invite you to make the journey to one of our beautiful churches to join us in worship? You may choose a traditional carol service, or one of the other events we are holding to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

He is longing to make the journey to us today. Jesus said, ‘Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in’. Will you open the door and let Him in? As the carol says, ‘Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in’.

Christingle Our Christingle service takes place in Zeals church on Sunday 2nd December at 4.30pm. Every child will receive a Christingle – a visual aid that tells of the ‘reason for the season’. In doing so, we put Jesus central, at a time when the one whose birth we celebrate so often seems absent from the party.

Reflective Carol Service If this year has been difficult for you, or if the jollity of this season seems shallow and unhelpful, why not try something different? On Wednesday 12th December in Stourton Church at Stourhead, we are holding a Reflective Carol Service. This is a quieter, more peaceful moment at a hectic time of year. It is an opportunity to remember what really matters in our lives, and to ponder where God might be in all this noise around us. The theme of the service will be ‘light in the darkness’. Do come and join us, and avoid the Christmas Eve crush!

Christmas Day Lunch If you and your family will find it hard to celebrate this Christmas, or if you are on your own, why not come to the Churches Together Christmas Day Lunch in the Grove Building in Mere? There’s no charge, but you will need to book by 10th December. Call Judy Bickerstaff on 01747 860335.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The Week runs from 18th to 25th January every year and is an opportunity to remember that the church exists outside our own parish and denomination. This year, we will be joining our friends from Mere and the surrounding area on 3

Sunday 20th January at 10.00am in Maiden Bradley Church. It would be great to see a good representation of Upper Stour at this United service.

Finally True story: I showed my granddaughter the view of Zeals church from our landing. 'My Daddy doesn't have a church ', she said wistfully. 'He has to go to work instead'

Your friend in Christ, Graham

Revd Graham Perryman

St Martin's St George’s 100 Club Millennium Club October Winners October Winners

1st prize : A Lamb D Rose Jan Manley S Todd 2nd prize: D Byron Margaret Martin The December draw: 6th December at Zeals Motors. All enquires to Ruth Burrows - 01747 840371 Contact Nigel Blackmore 01747 841110 SDC Lott 842

Stourton Memorial Hall @THE Place to be… Book THE Hall to have a Ball, A Wedding or Event! A Bingo night, a culinary bite, An invite to be sent… The Space is great, the kitchen bright, the sound equipment’s ace! The meeting possibilities are endless in this space! So one and all! Come use THE hall and celebrate in style. And create that special moment, you’ll remember with a smile!!!

We’re not just ANY old hall! We’re… @THE MEMORIAL HALL STOURTON. For all enquiries - [email protected]

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Green Fingers : December/January Notes from the not so green fingered It may be grey and miserable outside but Christmas indoors can be filled with colour so bring the garden into the house and keep in touch with nature. Here are 5 great festive plants to brighten up your home. 1 Poinsettia It's not my favourite but everyone to their own. This plant is always associated with Christmas due to its rich red bracts. Poinsettias need to be kept in a draft free environment that is warm but not hot. Allow the compost to dry out between watering and then give a good soak with warm water. 2 Christmas Cactus The Schlumberga or Christmas cactus is a stunning plant that flowers at Christmas. It's ideal for the humid conditions of bathrooms and kitchens. Place on a tray filled with gravel, add water until it touches the base of the pot. 3 Cyclamen Cyclamen are lovely upright plants that come in a huge range of colours. Grow them in a bright spot away from direct sunlight and hot radiators. Always water from the bottom of the plant and beware of overwatering as it can kill cyclamen. 4 Christmas Azaleas I love azaleas as they are such cheerful plants. Christmas azaleas need a cool spot away from direct sunlight. It is very important to keep the compost moist. The plant will wilt and die if it dries out. 5 Orchids Orchids are one of the most popular house plants and I find the easiest. Moth orchids are a great all-rounder, or try the Christmas flowering cymbidium orchid. The cymbidium need a slightly cooler temperatures and water every one to two weeks . Happy Christmas and New Year fellow gardeners! Pippa Schofield

Zeals Village Hall

The Committee welcomes you to use your Village Hall, which is available at reasonable rates, and is perfect for children’s parties, family functions etc. Please contact Barbara Moodie at Zeals Village Shop telephone 01747 840295

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BOURTON GARDENING CLUB Wednesday 5th December Making a Christmas Wreath Kate White-Hamilton

Wednesday 16th January From Nothing to Something - Creation of a Dorset Garden from Blue Clay and Builders’ Rubble Tony Davis 7.30 pm Bourton Village Hall

Visitors welcome Any enquiries please call 01747 861121

White Lion Inn

Every Friday is Music Night from 8.30pm!

High Street, Bourton, Dorset. SP8 5AT

01747 840866 www.whitelionbourton.co.uk

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Zeals Parish Council Meeting on Thursday 10th January 2019 7pm Zeals Village Hall

We are welcoming, friendly and will support you all the way.

Monday 7.30pm Lecture Hall, Mere Contact Natasha 07453 366248

Tuesday 9.30am, 11.30am Vicarage School Rooms, Gillingham Wednesday 10am, 5pm & 7pm Memorial Hall, Wincanton Contact Charlie 07827 323646 7

L C HILL & SON FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS Personal Service Day & Night Pre Payment Funeral Plans. Memorials Private Chapels of Rest WATER STREET, MERE (01747) 860361 email: [email protected]

Telephone for arrangements and consultations to be made in the privacy of your own home or at our office if preferred

Bourton Parish Council Meeting on 17th December 7pm Bourton Village Hall and Meeting on 28th January 2019 7pm Bourton Village Hall

Tel: 01747 822604 email: [email protected]

• Free no obligation estimates • Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural Installations • Part & Full Rewires • Heating & Under Floor Electric Heating • Lighting Installations • Installation and Periodic Certification • PAT Testing

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News from Stourhead

Stourhead has once again opened its doors to the beautifully decorated house. Creating the display is not an easy task and work begins almost as soon as the previous Christmas ends. We have worked hard to improve on the experience we can offer our visitors. Not only have new decorations been made, but we have also been working with a lighting company to light sections of the property to make the journey from the house, garden, and car park area more enjoyable. We hope to build on this more in 2019, and hope to be able to light more of the garden as well.

The house itself is decorated beautifully with handcrafted decorations throughout. There are wonderful flower arrangements in the showrooms and on December weekends ginger wine can be sampled right up until the house closes its doors on 23 December.

Our shop is hoping to offer something extra this Christmas as it is opening a pop up shop in the Stableyard which will again be open at weekends and offering a different range than is available in our main shop. Also in the Stableyard at weekends there will be a great photo opportunity as a willow sleigh will be there, waiting for those children that are off to see Father Christmas.

As the New Year rolls in we look forward to the foundation of the garden being on display, from the lake edges, to the views across the garden that only appear in winter when the trees are without leaves. There will also be a chance to see behind the normally closed doors of the house as a team of volunteers will once again be offering tours of the attics and cellars as well as a glimpse of the work our conservation team do during the winter months.

If you are keen to find out more about Stourhead or get involved in the work we do, we have lots of volunteering opportunities across the property. We are also hosting volunteer recruitment days on 26 & 27 January so, if you are interested in joining our team, keep an eye out for more information. We look forward to seeing you at Stourhead again soon.

Charlotte Toop, Marketing & Communications Officer [email protected] or 01747 842021

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Coffee Morning for Distributers As usual we will be holding a coffee morning for everyone who delivers the parish magazine in our four villages. This will be on Saturday 19th January at 11 am in the Parish Room at St Martin’s Zeals. You will be receiving an invitation shortly.

New Bourton Village Hall At their meeting on 22nd October Bourton PC decided to ignore the results of the consultation process, funded by an Awards for All grant from the Big Lottery, by choosing a site for the new village hall which does not have the support of the majority of the village. As a consequence of this action a group of concerned residents has been formed to ensure that the Parish Council takes into account the many factors involved before reaching a decision on a preferred site and that, in this process, the views of the villagers are properly represented. The fairest way of achieving this is to have a referendum. This is an attempt to heal the already existing division in the village and not to make it worse. Further information can be obtained from Trevor Bailey ([email protected]) and Anthony Palmer ([email protected]). A letter in the Blackmore Vale magazine of 2nd November gives a more comprehensive account of the issue. Trevor Bailey, Anthony Palmer, Tim and Jean Sheppard, Sue Holman, Dave Parsons, Alex Ross, Sue Ashby.

A flyer from the Bourton Village Hall Trustees explaining why they support the Parish Council’s decision on the site for the new Hall is enclosed with all the Bourton magazines. People from other villages who might be interested can find the content of the flyer on www.bourtondorset.org

BOURTON VILLAGE HALL December 10th Village Christmas Lunch 12.30pm

December 11th Film Night : THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY Doors and Bar open 7.00pm ~Film starts 7.30pm ~tickets £6 from the garages

January 8th Film Night MAMMA MIA HERE WE GO AGAIN February 21st 22nd 23rd Bourton Players Pantomime THE SNOW QUEEN Bourton Village Hall Management Committee wish all their hirers and supporters a very Happy Christmas and New Year 10

A.D.E Home Maintenance Solutions Bourton Specialist in Disabled Adaptations Ramps, Key-clamp handrail, Door widening Widen concrete paths Helping people stay living in their own home by adapting their house to help them live a better quality of life.

We also carry out General Day to Day Home Maintenance: Painting, Fencing , Concreting, Patios & Landscaping, Driveways Please call for a free quote 01747 841034 or 07454926657 [email protected]

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A New Carol for Those Who are Sad This Christmas Hush little child, wrapped in sacking, All that’s on offer, but is it enough? Yet you are held in the softness of Mary, Safe from the fibres, unruly and rough. Holy child, I need You, I feel abandoned in my life this day. O holy child, I need you, For though in the world my existence is grey.

Hush little child, wrapped in sacking, Are you confused by the world that You see? Is Your dear heart beating quickly within You, Do You consider how life’s going to be? Holy child, I need You, I am perplexed by my life this day. O holy child, I need You, For though in the world my existence is grey.

Hush little child, wrapped in sacking, What do You miss in the heaven You’ve left? Surely You long for the beautiful glory, The love and the peace, You must be bereft. Holy child, I need You, There’s so much I miss in my life this day. O holy child, I need You, For though in the world my existence is grey.

Hush little child, wrapped in sacking, What do You see from the corner of Your eye? People, they want to pay You a visit, But some are afraid to draw close to come nigh. Holy child I need You, There’s much I fear in my life this day. O holy child I need You, For though in the world my existence is grey.

Hush little child, wrapped in sacking, Can I seek the hope that You bear? Do You really want me to find You, The me that is hidden in the smile I wear? Holy child I need You, To love and to comfort my heart this day. O holy child, I need you. For though in the world, my existence is grey. Mona Tyler LLM

Parish Catering Days - end October The parish catering for the Stourhead-bound public during the three days of 26th, 27th and 28th October saw a supreme effort from a great many people who contributed most generously by baking cakes/scones and other wonders! – see pic, making soups, donating to the produce stall, and helping out on one or more of these three days, not to mention operating the till and credit card machine. Huge thanks to everyone involved, and the very happy news is that we made just shy of £7,000 for the parish. The comments from the public were uniformly complimentary and definitely made it all worthwhile!

We have for some time been thinking of a less pedestrian name for this fundraiser, and thanks to the excellent sign created and hung up by Graham, we have decided in future this event will be known as Pop Up Café Thank you so much again to everyone. I felt it was a really enjoyable and collaborative time for us all. Celia Cotton

PS I have two nice plates and one equally nice cake tin, plus a pale green/white circular table cloth, all of which were left behind in the hall. If you are the owner of any of these, please contact me: 01985 844613.

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St. Martin’s Traditional New Year Supper Friday 11th January 2019 Zeals Village Hall 7.30pm 3 Course Supper Tickets £10 from Zeals Motors Shop in aid of St Martin’s Church reserve via [email protected]

St Martin’s Coffee Mornings St Martin’s next Coffee Morning on 1st December and the first Coffee Morning of 2019 will be on 5th January. Held in Zeals Village Hall 10.30 – 12 noon – glorious cakes & pastries and bring & buy cake + produce stall. Come and catch up with the local happenings and the seasonal experiences. 13

SERVICES FOR DECEMBER 2018 Please check website in case of late changes : www.upperstour.co.uk

Sunday 2nd Advent Sunday 10.00 am Parish Communion at St Martin’s Zeals 4.30 pm Christingle at St Martin’s Zeals 6.00 pm Candlelight Advent Choral Evensong at

St Peter’s Stourton

Sunday 9th Advent 2 10.00 am Parish Communion at St Mary’s Kilmington

Weds 12th 6.30 pm Reflective Carols at St Peter’s Stourton

Saturday 15th 4.00 pm Bellringers Carol Service at St Martin’s Zeals

Sunday 16th Advent 3 10.00 am Parish Communion at St George’s Bourton

Monday 17th 6.00 pm Carols and Lights at St Mary’s Kilmington

Weds 19th 6.30 pm Carols at St Martin’s Zeals

Friday 21st 7.00pm Carols from the Green, Zeals

Sunday 23rd Advent 4 10.00 am Parish Communion at St Martin’s Zeals 6.00 pm Carols on the Green at Bourton

Monday 24th Christmas Eve 4.00 pm Crib Service at St George’s Bourton 6.30 pm Carol Service at St Peter’s Stourton 11.30 pm Midnight Holy Communion at St Mary’s Kilmington

Tues 25th Christmas Day 10.00 am All Age Holy Communion at St George’s Bourton

Sunday 30th Christmas 1 10..00 am Parish Communion at St Peter’s Stourton

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SERVICES FOR JANUARY 2019 Please check website in case of late changes : www.upperstour.co.uk

Sunday 6th The Epiphany 08.00am Holy Communion at St George’s Bourton 10.00 am US@10 at St George’s Bourton

Sunday 13th Epiphany 2 10.00 am Parish Communion at St Martin’s Zeals

Sunday 20th Epiphany 3 10.00 am Churches Together Service at All Saints, Maiden Bradley

Sunday 27th Epiphany 4 10.00 am Parish Communion at St Peter’s Stourton

February 2019 Sunday 3rd Fifth Sunday before Lent 10.00 am Parish Communion at St George’s Bourton

~ ~ ~Weekday Prayers ~ ~ ~

Mondays 9 am Morning Prayer (CW) at St George’s Bourton Wednesdays 5.00 pm Prayer Time at St Martin’s Zeals Thursdays 9am Morning Prayer (BCP) at St Mary’s Kilmington Fridays 8.30 am Morning Prayer at St Peter’s Stourton

From the Registers Interment of Ashes 3 November at St Mary's, Kilmington: Rachael Elizabeth Lang

Carol Service at St Mary’s Kilmington The Carol Service on Monday 17th December will now have the light installation from Bruce Munro, and this of course will remain in place for the Midnight Holy Communion on Christmas Eve (11.30pm). This installation promises to be very special so do come along and enjoy it in the context of our readings and carols. It starts at 6pm and there will be mince pies at the end

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NOTICE from Graham Perryman, Priest-in-charge Moving on Jackie and I have been thinking and praying for some time about when I should retire from full-time ministry, and we have concluded that this should be within the next year.

The plan is for my last Sunday here to be April 28th, the Sunday after Easter. I shall then work for 3 more days, to 1st May, to tie up any loose ends, and we shall move to our new home in Yeovil shortly afterwards.

Some of you may wonder how I can be retiring when I am only 45 years old...(!) The truth is I will actually be 63, and not getting any younger. The decision has also been influenced by a number of other factors.

As some of you will know, Jackie’s health has not been good in recent years, and doesn’t seem to be improving. We would like to be able to offer Jackie’s mother more support in the coming years. We also look forward to spending more time with our growing number of grandchildren.

This has not been an easy decision to make. We love living here and have made many friends since arriving in June 2015. We will be leaving a dedicated and very capable group of ministers and church officers, all of whom I shall miss greatly. We shall miss all the friends in the community that we have made (Oh yes we will!). This has been a great place to serve, and I am sure there will be no shortage of applicants for this post.

There will be time to say more later on, but I wanted you to know as soon as possible. We would value your prayers for us as we prepare for this move, and for those who will continue to minister in this team after May, as we will continue to pray for you. Revd Peter Lewis Peter and l are very grateful for all the love and support given to us since Peter’s fall on October 30th. We are overwhelmed by people’s concern. Please continue to pray for his recovery. Mary Lewis We all in the parish wish Peter a speedy recovery, as pain free as possible. We will of course continue to pray for him and for Mary, and we look forward to having him back with us. The Royal British Legion The collections from each of our four churches in support of the Royal British Legion on Sunday 11th November amounted to a total of £1046.86.

Val Donell The recognition of Val’s 40 years playing the organ for the parish (planned for October) has had to be postponed because of the considerable roof repair work to St Mary’s Kilmington which is currently going on. The plan now is that Val’s special Service will take place on Sunday 9th December at St Mary’s.

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CHRISTMAS VARIATIONS a cracker of a concert

THE THREE COUNTIES CHOIR GARETH HOLDEN – organ HENRY SPENCER – trumpet

Conductor: MICHAEL BROWN Accompanist: GRAHAM PERRYMAN

ST.GEORGE’S CHURCH, BOURTON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6th 7.30 pm

Refreshments & Raffle

TICKETS £10 from Zeals Motors Shop or Bourton Garage or contact Ros Wheare on 01747 840622

email [email protected]

In aid of the work of Citizens Advice in North Dorset

Farm Fresh Turkeys Orders for Christmas turkeys are being taken - various weights available. For details ring Elizabeth Hames 01985 844971 or email: [email protected]

The Spirit of Christmas The Friends of St Martin’s invite US to join in Informal Christmas Concert and Festivities Friday 7th December 7pm-9pm Whitesheet Community Hall Cabaret from Jim Tadd & Graham Perryman Carols and Christmas Readings Raffle Prizes, Father Christmas Mince Pies, Mulled Wine, Mulled Cider Tickets in advance - £3, £1 for children – from Zeals Village Shop 17

News from Parish Councils Bourton The Parish Council meeting took place on Monday 22nd October with over 40 members of the public present. Despite some of the items discussed being possibly divisive, the meeting ran smoothly and without incident, with everyone in the audience being given a chance to have their say.

Due to recent complaints, a gentle reminder to dog walkers using the public rights of way in the parish. There is no law which states that a dog must be kept on a lead when using a public right of way. However, like its owner, a dog should remain on the line of the path and be kept under close control. The Countryside Code says: When you take your dog into the outdoors, always ensure it does not disturb wildlife, farm animals, horses or other people by keeping it under effective control. This means that you: • keep your dog on a lead, or • keep it in sight at all times, be aware of what it's doing and be confident it will return to you promptly on command • ensure it does not stray off the path or area where you have a right of access The December Parish Council meeting takes place on Monday 17th December Eve Wynn, Bourton Parish Clerk: 07702 709 557

Kilmington The village firework display which the Parish Council supports went ahead on the evening of 6 November and despite the wet weather was enjoyed by all.

Some resurfacing works to the road in The Street has taken place and it is now very much improved. However, there is still more to do and Wiltshire Council has informed us that the stretch of the road so far untouched requires extensive repair and not just resurfacing with tarmac, hence it will be undertaken when more monies are available in the new financial year.

Discussions are ongoing with the Principal Engineer of Wiltshire Council’s Salisbury Transportation Team regarding improved signage on the B3092 at the Coombe Barn Lane junction. The PC will request support on this via the CATG (Community Area Transport Group) and will be asking for this item to be included on the agenda for their next meeting taking place on 27 February.

The minutes of the last meeting which took place on 22 November should be available mid December – on the village noticeboard and on our website (www.kilmingtonwiltshire.org); a full report will also be given in the February edition of this magazine. Ruth Burrows, Clerk

...../ continued on page 19 18

Stourton with Gasper Following the unsatisfactory situation with salt and gritting in the Parish last winter, the Clerk in conjunction with the National Trust has drawn up a revised Snow Plan which has been signed off by the Weather Team at Wiltshire Council; a copy of this is displayed on our noticeboard by the Gallery shops at Stourhead. Harry Parker has kindly collected our allocation of salt and, as usual, this will be stored at Home Farm. Other than this there is little to report but the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 4 December at 7.00 pm in the Memorial Hall when the budget will be discussed and the Precept for 2019-2020 approved. A full report of the meeting will be given in the February issue of this magazine. Ruth Burrows, Clerk

Zeals Much discussion focused on traffic flow and vehicle speeds at the recently held Zeals Parish Council meeting. Residents and councillors stressed how important it is for road users travelling along the internal lanes within Zeals and to go carefully and within the speed limits, especially when encountering tight bends and near road junctions. Councillors debated among themselves at some length how the Parish Council should evaluate the effectiveness of the traffic calming scheme along New Road now that it has been in use for almost a full year. It has always been the intention of the Parish Council to compile an objective report on the scheme and to pass on the findings to Wiltshire Council. Work on this review will commence very soon. Relating to this, a different position for the speed indicator device may be used the next time it is our turn to use it. As usual discussions centred around correspondence sent to and received from Wiltshire Council. We continue to liaise closely over issues affecting our area and its community at this difficult time. Councillors expressed their gratitude to those responsible for creating the poignant display of poppies and plaques arranged on the village green: a most fitting tribute to those who fought for our freedom. Full minutes can be viewed on the hugofox.com/communities/zeals website and on the two village noticeboards. The next meeting will be on 10th January. Graham Edgar: Clerk to Zeals Parish Council. ~ ~ ~ Wiltshire Council: Older person’s standard Wiltshire concessionary bus pass: From 1st January 2019, not all bus passes will be renewed automatically. This is because there are approximately 20,000 passes in circulation that have not been scanned on a bus prior to renewal, indicating that the pass has not been used. In these cases, the passes will not be automatically renewed. If your pass is not automatically renewed but you would still like to receive one to use in the future, please contact Wiltshire Council on 0300 456 0100 who will arrange for your new pass to be issued. Wiltshire Council regrets that any charges which may occur on bus journeys are nonrefundable.

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Country Calendar: November

December 2018/January 2019

As the year nears its end it’s time to take stock of all the good times and all the hard knocks ! We pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down and prepare to fight another hard round !

Well, we certainly have been through the mill with all that has been thrown at us in 2018, TB being the most damaging, but at long last we have had two clear tests and we are now back in business ! The relief is beyond words; we still face six monthly testing but can now sell our bulls and breeding stock. We look forward to 2019 with renewed vigour and positivity and hope that it stays that way.

We all at Home Farm wish you a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Jane Parker

Shreen Harmony Christmas Concert Saturday, 22nd December at 7.30pm in the Grove Building, Mere Retiring collection in aid of: After Umbrage, a charity near Bath which cares for carers.

PILATES EVENING CLASSES STOURTON MEMORIAL HALL MONDAY 5-6PM BEGINNERS MONDAY 6.15 – 7.15 PROGRESSIVE BEGINNERS

FOCUS THE MIND AND STRENGTHEN THE BODY IMPROVE POSTURE AND INCREASE FLEXIBILITY IN A FRIENDLY CLASS ENVIRONMENT ALL ENQURIES: [email protected] www.pilates-fresh.co.uk

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Chimney Sweep Services

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• Traditional Chimney Sweeping • Rotary Power Sweeping • All/Any Open Fires & Log/Multi Fuel Burners Swept • Bird Nest removals • Smoke Testing • Chimney CCTV Inspections • Fully Insured • Member of the Insurance approved ‘Chimney Sweep Academy’ • Daytime, Evening & weekend appointments • Discounts for multiple chimneys • Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors supplied and fitted.

To book an appointment or for any advice please contact Brent on 07773 003 541 / email [email protected]

Stourton & Kilmington Home Guard Club The Stourton & Kilmington Home Guard Club is very proud to introduce our very own ‘Tommy’ also known as ‘The Lone Soldier’ statue. He stands tall and honourable at the entrance to our club car park and is extremely poignant. The Club has always had strong and consistent support from the Hoare family, which has never waned from our very first day, and we would like to thank Hoares Bank & The Golden Bottle Trust for turning our hopes into reality and donating Tommy to us and to our village for all to be proud of. We are so happy to have him in our keeping and that the family chose us to do the best by him and what he represents. He stands tall for us all, and represents all that we hold dear. “When you go home, tell them of us and say For your tomorrow, we gave our today” Sharon Bullus

Thank you! I was amazed to read in the November parish magazine a call for funds in order to be able to present me with four large terracotta urns (each with a handsome bottle of red wine). The urns are now in two separate places in our garden and look magnificent. I am humbled that so many people in the community felt able to contribute. Thank you all, whomsoever you may be! Most generous and very much appreciated. Simon Firbank 21

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Stourton with Gasper Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 4th December, 7pm Stourton Memorial Hall

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S I L T O N S U R G E R Y

GPs Dr Neil Harding, Dr Moyra Reid Silton Surgery, Gillingham Road, Bourton, Dorset SP8 5DF Tel: 01747 840226 (Just off the B3092 from Bourton to Gillingham) We offer a wide range of services including family planning and travel advice. We accept patients from a seven mile radius. Same day appointments available (phone before 10.00 am) See Surgery Newsletter for details In an emergency please phone the Surgery: 01747 840226 Repeat Prescription line: 01747 840950

Traidcraft and Fair Trade Some of you may have heard that Traidcraft, the pioneering Fair Trade Company, have been having problems as have so many retailers recently. I have been a voluntary rep now for 38 years and am very saddened by this news. They have asked us as reps to try to make this the best Christmas season ever to show support and faith in their promise to help those less fortunate than ourselves work their way out of poverty. I would like to invite you to my 'At Home'. You can enjoy some Fair Trade refreshments, stir the Fair Trade Christmas Pudding, make a wish and browse the beautiful hand made items. If everyone bought one small gift, a few Christmas cards, some Christmas goodies or a stocking filler it would make such a huge difference. Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th December between 8.30 am and 6.00pm at Wits End, North Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6HP 01747 860884

GARY PHILLIPS

Carpentry, painting and decorating Home improvements and maintenance 01747 840308 07980 708655 [email protected] 24

IN MEMORY OF IAN FLOWER PLEASE SAVE THE DATE OF THURSDAY, 14 MARCH 2019 at 7pm FOR THE FIRST IAN FLOWER MEMORIAL TALK Much more detail in February

Oilmaster : Oil heating specialist Aga, Rayburns, Stanleys, alphas Boilers all types Breakdowns and servicing 24 hour call outs Small plumbing jobs Bleed throughs Call 07428663825 or 01747 826094 www.oilmaster.co.uk

Kilmington and Stourton Women’s Institute The December meeting will be on 11th December when we will enjoy our Christmas Party at Stourhead House at 7.00pm. The January meeting will be on 22nd January when Lesley Holdway from Federation will be giving a talk on "My WI and WI Website." The WI meets every fourth Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise stated) at Stourton Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. For further information contact: Secretary: Caroline Harris 07795 180845 or Jane Parker 01985 844248

SIMON NICHOLLS INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING PLUS GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE PATIOS - FENCING - GUTTERS CLEARED ETC

PLEASE CALL FOR A QUOTE 01747 840300 07852355086

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Regular Weekly Events

Weekdays Preschool 08.45 – 15.15 at the Preschool Playing Fields, West Bourton (term time only) The ZAC (Zeals daily 3.30 – 6 pm at Whitesheet school, Afterschool Club) Zeals. Contact Ross Coad 01747 841531 Tue Pilates 10 am – 11 am ZVH Tummies, Tiddlers 9.30 –11.00 am at St. George’s School & Toddlers Hall (term time only); entrance across the field. Wed Pilates 9.15 – 10.15 a.m. ZVH Bell-ringing 7.30-9.00 pm at St Martin’s Zeals practice fortnightly. Beginners and lapsed ringers welcome. Fri Friday Fun Club 10 – 11.30 am (term time) Whitesheet School (Zeals) Hall Beavers 18.00-19.00 Bourton Village Hall Contact Anne Martin 07483 893006 [email protected] Cubs 19.15-20.45 Bourton Village Hall Contact George Cadnam on 07718 785738 / [email protected] Choir Practice Most Fridays (6-7pm) at St Martin’s Zeals. New singers welcome. Contact Tom Wheare 01747 840 622

Zeals Walkers On Sunday 4th November 17 Zeals Walkers had a wet but enjoyable walk starting at the White Lion in Bourton. We continued up Kites Nest Lane and passed through the pine plantation and onto Pen Selwood. Turning right a while later we walked across two muddy fields and then through a small mixed wood to Castle Orchard. A quick walk back through Bullpits golf course and onto the White Lion for a very enjoyable lunch. The plan for our next walk on Sunday 2nd December is to walk around Berwick St John, parking and eating at The Talbot Inn. We will leave Zeals at 10.00. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Rosalie on [email protected] or 01747 840726.

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Dates for your Diary : December 2018 1st St Martin’s Coffee morning, 10.30am, ZVH page 13 3rd Shortmat Bowls 1.30pm 4th/5th Tradecraft, 8.30am-6pm Wits End, North Road, Mere, BA12 6HP page 24 4th Craft and Chat 2.00pm, BVH 4th Stourton w Gasper Parish Council, 7pm SMH page 23 5th Bourton Gardening Club, 7.30 BVH page 6 6th Zumba 7.00pm, BVH 6th Christmas Variations, 7.30pm St George’s Bourton page 17 7th Spirit of Christmas, Whitesheet, 7-9 pm page 17 10th Bourton Village Christmas Lunch 12.30pm, BVH page 10 Shortmat Bowls 2.00pm, BVH 11th Craft and Chat 2.00pm, BVH 11th WI Christmas Party 7pm Stourhead House page 25 Film Night: The Guernsey Lit & Potato Peel Soc, 7.30 pm BVH page 10 13th Zumba 7.00pm, BVH 17th Shortmat Bowls 1.30pm, BVH 17th Bourton Parish Council 7pm, BVH page 8

Dates for your Diary: January 2019 3rd Zumba 7.00pm, BVH 5th St Martin’s coffee morning, 1030 am ZVH page 13 7th Shortmat Bowls 1. 8th Craft and Chat 2.00pm, BVH Film Night Mamma Mia Here We go Again 7.30pm, BVH page 10 10th Zumba 7.00pm, BVH 10th Zeals Parish Council, 7pm, ZVH page 7 11th St Martin’s New Year Supper, 7.30 pm, ZVH page 13 14th Bourton Village Lunch 12.30pm, BVH Shortmat Bowls 1.30pm, BVH 15th Craft and Chat 2.00pm, BVH 16th Bourton Gardening Club, 7.30, BVH page 6 17th Zumba 7.00pm, BVH 19th Distributors Coffee Morning, 11 am Parish Room page 10 21st Shortmat Bowls 1.30pm, BVH 22nd Craft and Chat 2.00pm, BVH 22nd WI Meeting, 7.30pm, SMH page 25 24th Zumba 7.00pm, BVH 28th Shortmat Bowls 1.30pm, BVH Bourton Parish Council Meeting 7.00pm, BVH page 8 29th Craft and Chat 2.00pm, BVH

Deadline for February 2019 contributions: Friday 18th January 2019 at noon 27

ALL BEST WISHES FOR 2019

FROM THE MAGAZINE TEAM

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